Author: Home & Dime Editorial Team

  • Does Renters Insurance Cover Mold?

    Renters insurance covers mold damage to your belongings only when it results from a covered peril, like a burst pipe — not from humidity, neglect, or a building problem, which is the landlord’s responsibility.

    Sometimes Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    When it’s covered

    If a covered event — a burst pipe, an appliance overflow — causes mold that ruins your belongings, your renters policy can help, often up to a mold sub-limit.

    When it’s not

    • Mold from bathroom humidity or condensation.
    • Mold from a long-ignored leak.
    • Mold from the building’s structural issues (the landlord’s duty to fix).

    Landlord vs. tenant

    If the mold stems from the building (a roof or plumbing defect), the landlord must remediate it. Your policy covers your damaged belongings, not the structure.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is there a mold limit?

    Often yes — many policies cap mold coverage.

    Who fixes building mold?

    The landlord, under most lease and habitability laws.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute; CFPB. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Renters Insurance guide

    ← Renters Insurance: full guide · All renters insurance guides · Glossary

  • What Is Loss Assessment Coverage in Condo Insurance?

    Loss assessment coverage in a condo (HO-6) policy pays your portion when the association assesses all owners for a covered loss — like damage to common areas or a liability claim that exceeds the master policy.

    Important Add-On

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    How it works

    If the HOA’s master policy falls short on a covered loss, it can assess each owner. This coverage pays your share, up to your loss-assessment limit.

    Set an adequate limit

    Default limits (e.g., $1,000) are often too low — many owners raise it to $50,000 or more.

    Common exclusions

    • Assessments for non-covered causes
    • Routine HOA fee increases
    • Assessments above your limit

    Tips

    • Check your loss-assessment limit — raise it if low.
    • Understand what your master policy covers.
    • Ask your HOA about its deductible.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is default coverage enough?

    Often not — consider raising the limit.

    What triggers an assessment?

    A covered loss the master policy doesn’t fully pay.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Condo Insurance guide

    ← Condo Insurance: full guide · All condo insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Condo Insurance Cover Theft?

    Yes — the personal property portion of condo (HO-6) insurance covers theft of your belongings, both from your unit and while you’re away from home, up to your limits and minus your deductible.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Covered

    • Burglary of your unit.
    • Items stolen while traveling (off-premises).

    Sub-limits

    Jewelry, electronics, and cash have caps — schedule valuables for full coverage.

    Common exclusions

    • Value above sub-limits without a rider
    • Theft by a resident of your unit
    • Building common-area theft (master policy)

    Tips

    • File a police report.
    • Inventory and photograph valuables.
    • Schedule high-value items.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is theft away from home covered?

    Yes — off-premises coverage applies.

    Are valuables fully covered?

    Only up to sub-limits unless scheduled.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Condo Insurance guide

    ← Condo Insurance: full guide · All condo insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Travel Insurance Cover Flight Delays?

    Yes — travel insurance reimburses meals, lodging, and transport when a covered flight delay exceeds the policy’s threshold (often 3–12 hours), and covers missed connections caused by the delay.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Trip delay benefit

    Pays for reasonable expenses during a covered delay past the time threshold.

    Missed connection

    Covers catch-up costs if a delay makes you miss a connection.

    Common exclusions

    • Delays below the time threshold
    • Delays you were warned about before departure
    • Reimbursement above daily caps

    Tips

    • Know your policy’s delay threshold.
    • Keep all receipts during the delay.
    • Get written confirmation of the delay reason.

    Frequently asked questions

    How long must the delay be?

    Usually 3–12 hours, depending on the plan.

    Does it cover a missed cruise?

    Often yes, under missed-connection coverage.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Travel Insurance guide

    ← Travel Insurance: full guide · All travel insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Travel Insurance Cover Lost Luggage?

    Yes — travel insurance covers lost, stolen, or damaged baggage, and provides a separate benefit for essentials if your bags are delayed. Payouts are subject to per-item and overall limits.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Baggage loss

    Reimburses the depreciated value of lost or stolen belongings, up to limits.

    Baggage delay

    Pays for essentials (clothes, toiletries) if your bags are delayed beyond a set number of hours.

    Common exclusions

    • High-value items above per-item limits
    • Cash and documents
    • Items left unattended

    Tips

    • Keep receipts for valuable items.
    • File a report with the airline immediately.
    • Save delay documentation for the claim.

    Frequently asked questions

    Are electronics covered?

    Yes, but often with lower per-item limits.

    Does it cover airline-lost bags?

    Yes — often on top of airline compensation.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Travel Insurance guide

    ← Travel Insurance: full guide · All travel insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Travel Insurance Cover COVID?

    Many travel insurance plans now treat COVID-19 like any other illness, covering emergency medical care abroad and trip cancellation if you get sick before or during your trip. Coverage varies, so confirm before buying.

    Varies by Plan

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Often covered

    • Emergency medical treatment if you catch COVID abroad.
    • Trip cancellation if you test positive and can’t travel.

    Often not covered

    • Cancelling out of fear of COVID (needs CFAR).
    • Travel-advisory cancellations.

    Common exclusions

    • Cancelling due to fear (without CFAR)
    • Border closures and advisories
    • Quarantine costs (unless specified)

    Tips

    • Read the COVID clause before buying.
    • Consider CFAR for maximum flexibility.
    • Keep test results and documentation.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is COVID medical care covered abroad?

    Usually yes, as an illness.

    Can I cancel if I’m afraid to travel?

    Only with Cancel For Any Reason.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Travel Insurance guide

    ← Travel Insurance: full guide · All travel insurance guides · Glossary

  • Accident-Only vs. Comprehensive Pet Insurance

    Accident-only pet insurance covers injuries like broken bones and swallowed objects at a low cost. Comprehensive (accident + illness) plans also cover illnesses, infections, and chronic conditions — more protection for a higher premium.

    Two Options

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Accident-only

    • Cheap.
    • Covers injuries, not illness.

    Comprehensive

    • Covers accidents + illnesses (cancer, infections, chronic conditions).
    • Best overall protection.

    Common exclusions

    • Pre-existing conditions (both types)
    • Wellness care (needs an add-on)

    Tips

    • Choose comprehensive for full protection.
    • Accident-only suits tight budgets.
    • Enroll early to avoid pre-existing exclusions.

    Frequently asked questions

    Which is better?

    Comprehensive covers far more; accident-only is cheaper.

    Does accident-only cover cancer?

    No — that’s an illness.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Pet Insurance guide

    ← Pet Insurance: full guide · All pet insurance guides · Glossary

  • How Does Pet Insurance Reimbursement Work?

    Most pet insurance works on reimbursement: you pay the vet bill upfront, submit a claim, and the insurer pays you back a chosen percentage (often 70–90%) after you meet your annual deductible.

    Reimbursement Model

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    The three levers

    • Deductible — what you pay before coverage starts.
    • Reimbursement rate — 70%, 80%, or 90%.
    • Annual limit — the yearly payout cap.

    Common exclusions

    • Pre-existing conditions
    • Costs above your annual limit
    • Waiting-period claims

    Tips

    • Choose a reimbursement rate you can afford to front.
    • Keep itemized vet invoices.
    • Submit claims promptly.

    Frequently asked questions

    Do I pay the vet first?

    Usually yes, then get reimbursed.

    What’s a typical reimbursement?

    70–90% after your deductible.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Pet Insurance guide

    ← Pet Insurance: full guide · All pet insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Pet Insurance Cover Surgery?

    Yes — pet insurance accident and illness plans cover surgery when it treats a covered accident or illness, including diagnostics, anesthesia, and hospitalization. Surgery for pre-existing conditions is excluded.

    Usually Covered

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    Covered surgeries

    • Emergency surgery (swallowed objects, trauma).
    • Illness-related surgery (tumors, injuries).

    Reimbursement

    You pay the vet, then get reimbursed a set percentage after your deductible.

    Common exclusions

    • Pre-existing conditions
    • Elective/cosmetic procedures
    • Surgery during the waiting period

    Tips

    • Enroll before any symptoms appear.
    • Understand your reimbursement percentage.
    • Keep vet records for claims.

    Frequently asked questions

    Does it cover emergency surgery?

    Yes, for covered accidents/illnesses.

    Is spaying/neutering covered?

    Only with a wellness add-on.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Pet Insurance guide

    ← Pet Insurance: full guide · All pet insurance guides · Glossary

  • Does Life Insurance Require a Medical Exam?

    Not always. Many insurers offer no-medical-exam life insurance, but fully underwritten policies (which include an exam) usually offer higher coverage at lower rates for healthy applicants.

    Depends on Policy

    By the Home & Dime Editorial Team · Updated 2026

    No-exam policies

    • Faster approval, no exam.
    • Often higher premiums or lower coverage limits.

    Fully underwritten

    • Includes a medical exam.
    • Best rates for healthy applicants.

    Common exclusions

    • Misrepresenting health (can void the policy)
    • Assuming no-exam means no health questions

    Tips

    • Healthy applicants usually save with an exam.
    • No-exam suits those wanting speed or with exam anxiety.
    • Always answer health questions truthfully.

    Frequently asked questions

    Is no-exam more expensive?

    Often, for the same coverage.

    Can I be denied?

    Yes — insurers still review health history.

    Related guides

    Sources: Insurance Information Institute (iii.org); Consumer Financial Protection Bureau; FEMA; state Departments of Insurance. General information, not insurance advice.

    Part of our Life Insurance guide

    ← Life Insurance: full guide · All life insurance guides · Premium estimator · Glossary